Government stops refueling overseas aircrafts & ships

Apia, SAMOA – 04 May 2026 – As fuel prices spike due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, the Samoan government has stopped refueling services to overseas aircrafts and ships who come to Samoa only to refuel.

Last week, Samoa had its first major petroleum products price increases in months and since the start of the conflict.

Petrol increased by 66.3 sene per litre, from $2.85 to $3.5. Diesel increased by 141.3 sene per litre, from $3.09 to $4.50 and Kerosene increased by 135.0 sene per litre, from $2.70 to $4.05.

Treasury that oversees the country’s petroleum supplies says there is enough supply of jet fuel and is securing petroleum supplies for the future months that are expected to be dearer due to the impact of the conflict on oil supplies.

An oil tanker is expected at the Apia wharf this week and another one on 4 June 2026.

Prime Minister Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Schmidt told the media last Friday that fuel prices is something Samoa cannot control especially under the current global pressures, but fuel price increases do affect the economy and general cost of living in a major way.

However, he emphasized that it is the government’s duty to ensure that petroleum supplies are available for the country’s needs, and he expects the prices to go up further due to the uncertainty of the conflict.

He also assured that as of now, there is no indication to increase the cost of electricity even though electricity supplies are heavily reliant on imported diesel and using hired generators since EPC had major issues with its diesel generators in 2024 and its underground supply lines this year.